Monoraphidium Explained

Monoraphidium is a genus of green algae in the family Selenastraceae.^[1] Monoraphidium is found free-floating or attached to surfaces in water, or in soils. It is one of the most common types of phytoplankton in freshwater habitats, and has a cosmopolitan distribution.^[2]

Monoraphidium consists of single cells, which are 2-182 by 1-8 micrometers. The cell is straight to lunate to sigmoid or helically shaped. Cells contain a single nucleus, a single parietal chloroplast and a single pyrenoid lacking a starch sheath (or no pyrenoid at all). Reproduction occurs asexually by autospores.^[3]

It is similar to and often confused with the related genus Ankistrodesmus, from which it differs by being typically unicellular.^[4]

Some species and strains of Monoraphidium, such as Monoraphidium neglectum, are promising candidates for commercial biofuel production.^[5]

Notes and References

1. See the NCBI webpage on Monoraphidium. Data extracted from the Web site: NCBI taxonomy resources . . 2007-03-19.
2. Book: Gêneros de Algas de Águas Continentais do Brasil: chave para identificação e descrições . 2 . 2006 . Carlos E. M. . Bicudo . Mariângela . Menezes . RiMa Editora . 508 . 857656064X .
3. Web site: Monoraphidium Komárková-Legnerová, 1969 :: AlgaeBase . 2023-03-03 . www.algaebase.org.
4. 2016 . Matthews . Robin A. . Freshwater Algae in Northwest Washington, Volume II, Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta . A Collection of Open Access Books and Monographs . Western Washington University . 10.25710/fctx-n773 .
5. 10.1007/s11274-016-2023-6 . Microalgae from the Selenastraceae as emerging candidates for biodiesel production: A mini review . 2016 . Yee . Willy . World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology . 32 . 4 . 64 . 26931604 . 255143072 .